This popular annual event captures the warmth of the holidays and provides a great interactive experience for children, ages 5 to 10. In this theater performance, audience members will have the chance to explore the customs and history of Diwali, Ramadan, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and more. Bring the whole family for a educational event. Tickets are $5 for Residents Associates members, $6 for children non-members, and $8 for the general public. 10:15, with a repeat performance at 11:30 daily, weekdays through Dec. 23. Ripley Center.

As part of the Natural History Museum’s “The Expert Is In” series, where curators are stationed within exhibitions to provide visitors with fascinating background information, bird specialist Carla Dove will speak about bird identification. When birds collide with aircraft, highly trained scientists are able to identify species and other information from feathers and small fragments. Listen to Dove’s expert perspective and ask your own questions. Free. 1 to 3 p.m. Natural History Museum, “More Than Meets the Eye” exhibition, 1st floor.

The American Indian Museum’s Artist Leadership Program enables Native artists to build their skills in various contemporary mediums and return to their communities to share their knowledge through art. Take this chance to meet two recipients of the program: Angela Babby, an Oglala Lakota who works with enameled glass mosaics, and Leah White Horse-Mata, from Northern California’s Northern Chumash area, who researches traditional regalia and jewelry. Free. 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. American Indian Museum, Room 4018/4019.

Come for a festive holiday-themed jazz concert with the local DC group “The Minor Thoughts Quartet.” The group, according to its website, plays a “repertoire of straight ahead jazz standards, post-bop, and Lain-influenced jazz.” Attend this performance of the “Take 5!” series to hear their take on the seasonal classics and put a little pizzazz in your holidays. Free. 5 to 7 p.m. American Art Museum, Kogod Courtyard.

For a complete listing of Smithsonian events and exhibitions visit the goSmithsonian Visitors Guide. Additional reporting by Michelle Strange.

Editor's Picks: New Releases

The Smithsonian Institution has entered affiliate agreements with the companies listed in our holiday shop, and earns a fee for every purchase made from following any link from these gift guide pages and making a purchase on the affiliate site. This fee helps fund Smithsonian’s activities.

Future Crimes: Everything Is Connected, Everyone Is Vulnerable and What We Can Do About It [Marc Goodman] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. NEW YORK TIMES and WALL STREET JOURNAL BESTSELLER One of the world's leading authorities on global security

The Smithsonian is a repository of America's history, achievements, aspirations, and identity. It holds the artifacts of great leaders, and those of ordinary Americans. It houses scientific specimens and technological wonders. It is home to art, music, films, writings-a vast treasure trove of objects of extraordinary beauty and outstanding design.